PRO BASKETBALL

PRO BASKETBALL; New Knicks Have Broken Their Old Habits

By CLIFTON BROWN

Published: January 7, 1992

It seems like only last season when the Knicks often faltered in pressure situations. In fact, it was only last season.

But that was before John Starks's game and his confidence grew by leaps and bounds. That was before Xavier McDaniel arrived to give New York another weapon to lift some of the late-game scoring burden from Patrick Ewing. That was before Mark Jackson retooled his body and resurrected his career. And that was before Pat Riley's coaching coaxed more out of the Knicks than most people expected.

Heading into tonight's home game against the Atlanta Hawks, the Knicks are 20-9, and they have shown an uncanny ability to perform in clutch situations. Consider these facts:

*The Knicks have won five games this season when they were trailing heading into the final 5 minutes.

*New York is 3-0 in overtime games.

*New York is 3-1 in games decided by 4 points or less. Better Pressure Team

Riley feels the Knicks have learned to become a better pressure team, largely because they are a better defensive team.

"At the end of the game, you've got to make some stops, and then you've got to get a shot, and we've done that," Riley said. "Everybody talks about a failure to execute. But against good defenses in this league, you can only probably get one option out of your offense. So you execute to get that shot. If you get the shot, you've got to step in and take it.

"Like John Starks. Against Phoenix, he stepped up and took a jumper off a double-screen. X did the same thing. Now, if they pass up that shot because they're thinking they might miss, that's not what I want. You take the shot, make it or miss it, and you do it with confidence."

After Sunday's dramatic 108-104 overtime victory against the Phoenix Suns, the Knicks are as confident as they have been all season. But beating the Suns was only the beginning of a crucial week.

Following the game against the Hawks, New York plays consecutive games against the Boston Celtics, tomorrow night at Boston Garden and Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. First Place at Stake

This week is an opportunity for the Knicks to extend their lead in the Atlantic Division, especially with Larry Bird still bothered by a sore lower back. Bird was placed on the injured list yesterday and no timetable was set for his return.

While Bird has been out of action, Ewing has been outstanding. Yesterday, the Knicks' center was named the National Basketball Association's Player of the Week. In his last three games, Ewing has averaged 27.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks.

Not coincidently, Ewing's recent tear began immediately after he played his worst game of the season, against the Indiana Pacers -- 6 points and 8 rebounds. Riley spoke to Ewing recently about posting up closer to the basket, instead of settling for his trademark fadeaway jump shot. The Knicks' coach wants Ewing to average eight free-throw attempts per game, and he will only draw more fouls if he attacks the basket more often. Ewing Adjusting to Defense

"I'm not really thinking about how often I'm going to the free-throw line during the game, but naturally I want to get deeper position as often as I can," Ewing said after Sunday's game. "It's not always easy. Sometimes you have to take what the defense gives you. But Phoenix was double-teaming me as much as most teams. When that happens, I'm going to go to the basket."

Ewing has averaged 8.3 free-throw attempts during his last three games, a sign that he is fighting for deeper position. But Ewing has also been helped by his teammates. No longer are the Knicks a one-dimensional team. With Starks, McDaniel and Jackson producing consistent offense, the Knicks have become much less predictable and much more successful. Their goal is to continue that, especially this week.

"We're playing well know, but we can't let up," said the Knicks' assistant coach, Paul Silas. "If we can win some games this week, we could really do ourselves a big favor in the standings."

REBOUNDS

PAT RILEY said that TIM McCORMICK, a reserve center who has been on the injured list since Nov. 26 with a sore knee, is almost ready to return. When McCormick comes back, the Knicks must either waive someone or place another player on the injured list to reach the 12-man roster limit.